Japanese Culture のアーカイブ

The Tobacco and Salt Museum is a many-sided institution that specializes in the collection and study of materials relating to tobacco and salt, which were monopoly goods in Japan.  Many tools and ads, and replicas of people’s living are displayed.

Tobacco arived in Japan around 1600, and led to the creation of new and artistically significant forms of material culture.  First, shredded tobacco was smoked in long, slender kiseru pipes; after the late 19th century renewal of contact with the West, cigarettes came into favor.

Since Japan has no viable natural sources of salt, the early inhabitants were forced to use their ingenuity in producing sea salt. Over the centuries, this disadvantage resulted in a sophisticated, unique salt technology.

To know more about tobacco and salt in the history of Japan, visit the museum!

Museum of Tabacco & Salt
Location: Shibuya
Open Hours: 10:00-18:00
Entrance Fee: JPY100
Web Site: http://www.jti.co.jp/Culture/museum/Welcome.html (Eng)

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If you stroll into an Izakaya (Japanese style pub) in the year’s end, you will be told that all the tables are taken, with high probability.  In December, many Izakaya and restaurants are likely to be the most crowded throughout the year.  One reason for this might be Christmas celebration, but there is a far larger reason, Bonenkai.

Bonenkai (忘年会) literally means ‘forget-the-year-gathering’.  It is held to drink, eat, and forget all the bad things occurred in the going year.
Some Bonenkai are done to gather with personal friends, but most of them are held among work-related communities.  For some Japanese companies, Bonenkai is an official event.

Well, it is not that the Japanese people are so depressed, and cannot get along without forgetting everything.  It is just that people are always looking for an excuse to gather up and drink, and this must be common among many countries

Also, in the new year, Shinnenkai (新年会, new-year-gathering) would be held.  If you are to have a meet up at an Izakaya during this season, an early reservation is a must!

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
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If you have recently walking around Tokyo, you may have seen little boys and girls (and sometimes their parents) dressed up in beautiful Kimono.  This is for a celebration for children, Shichi-go-san (七五三), held around November 15th.
Shichi-go-san means ’seven-five-three’.  It is called this way because it is a ceremony for 3 and 5 year old girls, and 3 and 7 year old boys, to celebrate their growth and health.  The ages 3, 5 and 7 are consistent with Japanese numerology, which dictates that odd numbers are lucky.

Shichi-go-san is said to have originated in the Heian period (794-1185) among court nobles, to celebrate the passage of their children into middle childhood.
Over time, this tradition passed to the Samurai class.  They added some rite to this celebration.  The rites are:

Kamioki (髪置) - Children were allowed to grow their hair from the age of 3 (up until, children were required by custom to have shaven heads).
Hakamagi (袴着) - Boys of age 5 could wear Hakama (袴, Japanese formal male skirt) for the first time.
Obitoki (帯解) - Girls of age 7 replaced the simple cords they used to tie their Kimono with the traditional Obi (sash).

By the Meiji period (1868-1915), the practice was adopted amongst commoners as well, and included the modern ritual of visiting a Shrine to drive out evil spirits and wish for a long healthy life.

This visit to the Shrine is on November 15th, though this day of visit is not determined so strictly.  This date was chosen because the 15th every month was thought to Kishuku (鬼宿, the day when evil spirits do not come out) in the old calender.  Also, November was the month of thanks giving, to be grateful to the Gods.

If you’ve seen the children holding a long, thin bag, that is Chitoseame (千歳飴), literally ‘millenium candy’.  This candy is made very long, with a wish for the children to enjoy a long life, even 1000 years!  Chitoseame is usually colored white and red (or pink), the 2 colors thought to be auspicious in Japan.

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
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Autumn is an active season in Tokyo.
All the hotness and humidity gone, people get much more active than they were in summer.  There are Japanese proverbs showing how exciting a season autumn is:
スポーツの秋 (”Autumn, a season for sports”)
読書の秋 (”Autumn, a season for reading”)
食欲の秋 (”Autumn, a season for strong appetite”)

Definitely, it is better to read or play sports in the cool, comfortable season, than in the hot summer.
Also, autumn is the season of harvest.  There are various delicacies of the season, such as sweet chestnuts (栗), brevoorts (秋刀魚)、and Matsutake mushrooms(松茸).  Rice is also harvested in autumn, and is most delicious in this season.

Brevoorts.
The Kanjis “秋刀魚”, literally mean ‘autumn’, ’sword’, ‘fish’.  It is written like this because brevoorts are fish which are in season in autumn, and look like swords.

Autumn is also a season of art.  It is said “芸術の秋 (geijutsu no aki)” in Japanese.  Many art events take place in this season.
Tokyo Designers Week, an event of design, is one of them.

Work from Tokyo Designers Week 2009

Many works by top designers, shops, and art students would be exhibited.  Marking its 25th anniversary, this year’s theme is ‘Environment’.
Of course Japan is a treasure trove of unique tradition, but don’t forget that new designs and technologies are always being created too!

・Location: Meiji Jingu Gaien
・Period: Oct. 29 - Nov. 3
・Website: http://www.tdwa.com/

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
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Maybe you have heard of this gigantic (23 hectare!) fish market in central Tokyo.  Tsukiji fish market (築地市場) is gaining fame from foreigners these days.

Tsukiji fish market is located in Chuo-ku, Tokyo.  About 900,000 tons of products, worth 55o billion Yen, are dealed per annum.  Not only marine products, but also fruits, vegetable, chicken, etc. are dealed.
Seven wholesale dealers and about 1,000 middle traders work on ‘Seri (競り)’ here.  ‘Seri’ means bidding. This unique Japanese style of bidding, and the huge tunas lying on the floor, is amusing many foreigners.

However, we must not forget that Tsukiji fish market is a work place for many professionals, though it is an interesting tourist attraction.  Just walking around and taking pictures might block their communication, or damage the fish.

The fun of Tsukiji fish market is not just watching the huge tuna fish and the auctions.  There are many places where you can eat the fish which were bidded in the early morning.
In the numerous Sushi restaurants , you can eat fish which were brought to dry land only a few hours ago!  But remember, all restaurants are always crowded, especially in the early morning and around noon, so this dining won’t be very elegant.  Well, being jolsted in the crowd is the pleasure of Tsukiji.

If you would like to share the joy of the fish markets with your friends, there are shops selling both fresh and manufactured food.

Enjoy the raw life of Japan!

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
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Do you know what the traditional Japanese stage arts are?- Noh (能), Kabuki (歌舞伎), Bunraku (文楽) and Kyogen (狂言).
Among them, Noh is the oldest form of theater in Japan. Its origins go back to ancient times, but it was the 14th century that it began to flourish. Noh was for members of the warrior or samurai class, whereas kabuki was for the common people.

【Noh theater in Shibuya.】
In Shibuya ward,there is “Kanze Noh Theater (観世能楽堂)”,1-16-4, Shoto, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

Kanze Noh Theater was constructed Ogawacho in Shinjuku-ku and then it transferred to the present site because of the construction of highway and subway in 1972.　The capacity of the theater is 552 seats and the location is about 10 minutes from Shibuya Station(Hachiko exit).
The “Kanze (観世)”means the names of two persons(Kanami (観阿弥) and Zeami (世阿弥),they were father and his son),who completed the style of Noh.
Noh has the main four troupes and a style ,Kanze,Houjou,Konparu,Kongou and Kitaru, which have been handed on for a long time.
The Kanze-style was constructed in 1900 following the establishment of the Association of Kanze, the central organization of the Kanze-style, which has based its activities.
The Kanze-style with the largest membership in the world of Noh observes the tradition perfected them which dates back about 600 years.
Counting those sponsored by this association and other related organizations, approximately 150 performances are conducted annually, which reveals that the persons concerned are actively working on
developing this traditional Japanese entertainment.
At this theater where high-quality Noh performances loved by a wide range of fans can be enjoyed.
You will also get a good chance to learn and appreciate the traditional culture of Japan.

【Another famous Noh Theater. 】
The Cerlean Tower (セルリアンタワー) in Shibuya, which was completed in May 2001 as its concept “choice,tradition and creation”, is another popular Noh theater . The building is one of the landmarks in Shibuya, which was opened in May 2001 as a high-class hotel of Tokyu.
On the B2 floor is the Noh theater ,where you can appreciate the traditional Japanese art.

It is popular not only among tha Japanese but also many foreign visitors. There are more attracitions and facilities, such as jazz club, beauty salon and fittness club. They provide you a luxuarious time.

【External Links】
▼Kanze Noh Theater in Shoto▼
http://kanze.net/

▼Cerlian Tower Tokyu Hotel▼
http://www.ceruleantower-hotel.com/en/

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
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【“Onsen” Country Japan!】
As you know, Japan is blessed with hot spas (“Onsen (温泉)” in Japanese) and the public bathhouse (“Sento (銭湯)”) which is a still popular place for the those who living downtown.
The Japanese,unlike most other countries, bathe at night before going to bed, and it’s needless to say that the benefits for the body and sleeping well are amazing!

【Super Sento reproducing Edo-Period.】
It seems that for many foreign visitors, no trip to Japan would complete without experiencing a Japanese spa (onsen) or a local community, public bathhouse (sento).
Visitors without the time for a rustic spa in the country can take a dip in a natural hot spa in Tokyo.
“Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari (大江戸温泉物語)” is the grand super sento with full marks for Edo-period charms.
It is located in Daiba area and opened in 2003 as the first onsen theme park in Tokyo.

It’s easy access from the metropolitan area within 30 minutes. The baths are blessed with 100% natural hot spring water from a source 1400 meters below the ground and said to be good for health and beauty.
There are a variety of baths including open-air outdoor baths (perfect for enjoying fine weather or night skies.) and footbath facilities in a Japanese-style garden.One of the features is a re-created traditional street from the days when Tokyo was called Edo (江戸), which enables visitors experience the retro atmosphere.

Picture of Daimon, Minato-ku, drawn in the Edo period.

And also, there are so many other enjoyments that we can spend pleasant time all day long.
A wide variety of restaurants, amusements,Japanese-style massages・・much more attractions are available.

【the Japanese-style bathing etiquette.】
If it is your first time in a Japanese onsen (spa) or sento, be sure not to forget the Japanese-style bathing etiquette and please remember the following points before and during bathing;
1)You will be bathing with other people (men and women are separated.)
2)Wash yourself well with soap at the knee-high showers before you go into the bath.
3)In the hot tubs, no soap or bathing suits.

【One more lesson.】
The following differences exist between onsen and sento.
1)Onsen contain mineral components while sento don’t.
2)Sento are located in residential areas because they are public baths while onsen are often found in volcanic areas.
3)Sento are considered as a part of daily life while onsen are resorts where people travel to for vacation or therapeutic purpose.
If you’ve come this far, you’re a connoisseur of Japan!!

【External Links】
▼Ooedo-Onsen-Monogatari Official Web Site here.▼
http://www.ooedoonsen.jp/higaeri/english/index.html

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
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Sushi and Tempura are famous, but Japanese food is not just that!  Japanese food is rich in diversity.  The country divided by mountains, rivers, and oceans, various diet cultures which vary from district to district has developed.
Of course, it is amusing to travel around the country looking for hidden cultures, but for those who don’t have that time, it is possible to enjoy various Japanese foods in Tokyo.
Product fares are frequently held in department stores such as Takashimaya (高島屋), Odakyu (小田急), or Mitsukoshi (三越), and there are antenna shops ran by local governments, often prefectures.

Here are some antenna shops, at which you can purchase specialties and gain information of provinces.

Hokkaido Dosanko Plaza (北海道どさんこプラザ)
Location: Yurakucho
Hokkaido prefecture(北海道) is popular as the production region of milk, dairy products, sea products, etc. You will find various foods concerning these specialties.

Omote-sando Niigata-kan N’espace (表参道・新潟館　ネスパス)
Location: Omote-sando
Food and goods from Niigata prefecture (新潟県).  Sasa-dango (笹だんご) , rice dumpling with felon herb kneaded into the dough, is the most popular sweets.

Shinjuku Miyazaki-kan KONNE (新宿みやざき館KONNE)
Location: Shinjuku
Konne (こんね) means ‘welcome’ in the dialect of Miyazaki prefecture (宮崎県).  Local chicken and Shochu (焼酎, Japanese distilled spirit) are famous.

Ginza Washita Shop (銀座わしたショップ)
Location: Ginza
Washita (わした) is ‘we’ in the dialect of Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県).  Sweets such as Sata-andagi (さーたーあんだぎー, Okinawan donuts), and tartes using Beniimo (紅芋, purple sweet potatoes) are popular.

Meza-marche (めざマルシェ)
Location: Ginza
Dealing with products from all over Japan.  You can look around specialties fast and snappy.  Cafe is attached.

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
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One remarkable characteristic of the traditional Japanese living is that paper is used for various purposes.
For example, to keep out sunlight from the house, Japanese housings use Shoji(障子), which is made of wooden frame and paper, instead of using curtains made of cloth.  Shoji is also used as room dividers and doors.

Shoji is made of Japanese paper, Washi (和紙).
Compared to western paper, the fiber used to make Washi is much longer.  This makes Washi tough, and makes its life span long.
Washi was also used as Fusuma (襖, sliding door which divide rooms), Byobu (屏風, folding screen), etc.

Fusuma. Byobu.

Wonder why Washi was used so heavily?
For the Japanese climate is hot and humid, it was important to build houses in which people can enjoy comfortable lives since ancient times.
Washi was used for housing because it modulates humidity, and the material was plentiful.

Washi is not only used for housing.
Surprisingly, it was even used to make umbrellas!  The surface is coated with Kakishibu (柿渋, fermented juice of date plum) and oil, which repels water.

Today, Washi is not only used in the traditional way, but also used as modern art.  Various goods such as light shades are made, to fit modern houses as well as traditional Japanese houses.

Would you like to live with Washi too?
You can buy Washi at some craft shops, and interior accessory shops.

I recommend Haibara (榛原) for Washi goods.
Haibara is a long established shop, which has been in Nihombashi since 1806.  It was the first store to export Washi.  Washi from Haibara is housed in museums in Europe, such as the Louvre.

Haibara (榛原)
Location: Nihombashi, Chuo-ku
1 minute walk from Nihombashi station (Ginza line, Tozai line, Asakusa line)
Website: http://www.haibara.co.jp/index.html (Japanese)

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
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Have you ever heard of ‘Kaki-gori (かき氷)’?
Kaki-gori is shaved ice flavored with syrup, a popular sweets in Japan.
Of course there are ice cream and gelato, but Kaki-gori is much cooler: it will even give you headaches if you eat too much.

The history of Kaki-gori is old: it appears in “Makura-no-soshi (枕草子)”, an essay written about 1000 years ago.

There are various flavors of Kaki-gori.
Strawberry, melon, banana…and there are Japanese flavors too.
The most famous flavor must be ‘Uji-kintoki (宇治金時)’.
Uji is the name of a high-quality Japanese tea, and Kintoki is a kind of sweet beans.
Uji-kintoki is a Kaki-gori with Japanese tea flavored syrup, and sweet bean paste as a topping.

Kaki-gori is available at most family restaurants and some cafes during the summer time, but if you are interested in Japanese flavors such as Uji-kintoki, it may be a good idea to try Kaki-gori at specialized stores of Japanese tea or Japanese sweets.
Some Japanese tea stores have cafes attached to the store, at which you can enjoy Japanese flavored Kaki-gori, ice creams, cakes, etc.

Below are the list of recommended stores.

Kyo Hayashiya
Location: 3 minutes walk from Omotesando Station / Hanzomon Line, Ginza Line, Chiyoda Line
HP: http://www.kyo-hayashiya.com/

Funabashiya Koyomi
Location: 5 minutes walk from Hiroo Station / Hibiya Line
HP: http://www.funabashiya.co.jp/koyomi/

Baishin-an
Location: 2 minutes walk from Azabu-juban Station / Nanboku Line
HP: http://gourmet.livedoor.com/restaurant/18448/

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Higherground Co.,Ltd.
2-8-3 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL:03-6459-2230
MAIL:info@higherground.co.jp
HP:http://www.higherground.co.jp/
TOP PAGE: http://livingtokyo.net/